Agriculture Courses

Home study agricultural marketing - distance education - flexible delivery

LEARN TO SELL YOUR PRODUCE

This course will help you to develop your ability to understand, analyze and manage marketing problems in an agricultural enterprise.

For more information about this subject please click on the link below

Distance Education - Animal Anatomy and Physiology Course

Why study animal anatomy and physiology?

Developing a sound foundation knowledge of animal anatomy and physiology is important in understanding the care and management of animals

This course is the starting point for working with animals in any situation 

You will study - cells and tissues, the digestive system, the circulatory system, the urinary system, the nervous system, respiration, the reproductive system, muscles and meat, the skeleton, animal growth, development, and the endocrine system. 

Feedback on this course: 

"I think it is absolutely brilliant. I have never come across such a friendly, helpful staff and am so enjoying my course. I will definitely recommend A.C.S to anybody who wants to study" Tanya Sadler - United Arab Emirates 

"The course teaches you the different systems within animals in terms of structure and function, cell and tissue structure, and also the differences between different categories of animals." Marius Erasmus - A.C.S Tutor - B. Science (Agriculture,) B. Science (Wildlife), Master of Science (Agriculture)

Follow the link below for more information

Animal Behaviour - Distance Learning Course

Learn to evaluate the behavioural characteristics of animals

A course developed and tutored by academics and practitioners from a background in agriculture, veterinary science and wildlife management.  Gain understanding and knowledge in:

• Genetics and behavior
• Behavior and the environment
• Social behavior
• Instinct and learning
• Handling animals

The study of animal behaviour includes everything that animals do, whether the animals are single-celled organisms, invertebrates, fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, humans, or other mammals. It involves the investigation of the relationship of animals to their physical environment as well as to other organisms.

Home study - online distance education

Evaluate feedstuffs and design production rations

Learn the composition of a range of feeds, including pasture, fodder crops, grasses, cereals, seed, and other edible plants. This course also explains the role of proteins, vitamins and minerals in animal diets. It equips you with the skills required to evaluate feeding and select appropriate feeds - for digestibility and nutritional content - applicable to real life farming situations.

Distance education - study animal health

Recognise and respond to diseases and other health conditions

A solid introduction to animal health, where you learn to assess animal health, explain a variety of conditions and identify appropriate treatments or responses to a range of more common complaints or illnesses. Specific topics include signs and symptoms of diseases , disease classification, causes of disease, inflammation, fever and immunity, tissue repair, wounds and cell changes (e.g.death, cancers).

Home study - Animal Health Care

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Study aquaculture production 

Distance education - flexible delivery

Aquaculture is the farming of water creatures for human consumption. The course aims to develop your ability to analyse information and make decisions about the development and management of freshwater aquaculture enterprises.  It deals with the culture and care of freshwater aquatic animals with a focus on Trout, Barramundi, Bass, Marron, Red Claw and the Yabbie. You will learn about production systems, other species, feeding, harvesting and health of fish as well as set up of an aquaculture venture.

"The course is suitable for students looking to enter the aquaculture industry who wish to gain a greater knowledge and a qualification in order to promote their career prospects."

Marius Erasmus - B.Sc.Agriculture, B.Science (Wildlife), M.Sc.Agriculture

Learn online - Beef cattle production and management

This course is designed to help producers analyse and make decisions about the management requirements of beef cattle. After completing the course you should be able to describe and explain the principles and practices of beef cattle husbandry and management. Topics covered include beef breeds, production systems, breeding programs, diseases, nutrition, herd management, economics and marketing.

 Comment from an ACS students: "I find that I can apply my knowledge directly on the property. All assignments are relative to real life" C. Rowland-Jones, Australia - Beef Cattle course

"When I first started, I had no experience of cattle or farming, but due to a change in direction in my career path, I needed to get some experience and this course has helped tremendously.' Sarah, Australia - Beef Cattle course.

Open learning - home study course raise calves profitably

Avoid costly calf losses

CAN'T FIND EXACTLY THE RIGHT COURSE?

IF THIS IS THE CASE YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SELECTING SUBJECTS TO "DESIGN" YOUR OWN COURSE

We can help you design a course that is tailored to your specific needs and interests. Alternatively you can simply choose the required number of related modules or short courses. Submit your module list to the school for approval.

Designing your own certificate does have some major advantages, including the capacity to:

• have an education that is unique to your situation .
• avoid studying subjects which are less relevant to you

By being different, you may well give yourself an advantage over your competition in business or work.

Assessment

Module-based courses: Standard modules within a course have assignments (normally one per lesson) and one exam on completion of the module. All assignments and the exam must be satisfactorily completed in order to pass the module.

Note: Exam fees are in addition to the course cost and are paid at the time the exam is undertaken.

Lesson-based courses: Have different exam requirements. Please inquire about these when you enrol in these courses.

Projects and Research Modules: No exams apply.

Student comments: 

"(This course)... has given me confidence in that I can understand the farmers I will be dealing with as a vet."  H. Thorneycroft, UK - Dairy Cattle

This is a very solid foundation course developed in collaboration with industry and by our team of experts including agriculturalists, animal scientists and veterinary surgeons. Dairy Cattle is the course for you if you want to learn about:

• Dairy breeds
• Managing anything from one cow to a large herd
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, cream butter etc)
• Managing the health of your dairy herd

Distance Education Course - Animal Disease Diagnosis Procedures

What is that disease? How do I find out?

Introductory studies in farm engineering

Home study - farm machinery and equipment

For more information click on the link below

Farm engineering - Distance Education

Self-paced home study module

This course complements Engineering I. It aims to help the student develop the skills and understanding to apply appropriate and innovative engineering solutions, to improve efficiency and productivity in agriculture and horticulture. It covers: surveying, earthworks, water management, environmental control (e.g. heating, cooling, ventilation, etc.), fencing, chemical applications, mechanisation of manual tasks, improving engineering efficiency/operations and developing engineering solutions to different workplace tasks/problems.

For more information click on the link below

Study Equine Behaviour

Distance education course

Understand and recognise what constitutes normal behaviour in your horse, and learn how to respond appropriately to  abnormal behaviour.

The study of equine behaviour provides a foundation for more sensitive and informed care and training of horses. Lessons cover genetics, perception and behaviour, communication and social behaviour, sexual and reproductive behaviour, learning and training and behavioural problems.

Study Farm Management - Make more money from your farm

Home study and flexible learning course

Farming is just as much about management as it is about animal or crop production. Unfortunately, in today's world the ability to produce a good animal or crop is no guarantee of success! The course relates to managing all resources, including; production, staff, physical resources, and natural resources. You learn strategic planning, whole farm planning, and how to prepare a business plan.

The course was developed by a team of experts from Australia and the UK -under direction of A.C.S Principal  John Mason. John Mason is the author of three Farm Management books (published by imprints of Simon & Schuster and C.S.I.R.O)

Manage the daily requirements of your horse

Self-paced distance learning module

Learn about horse psychology and handling, evaluate conformation, understand the importance of dietary requirements to the horse, learn about the horses digestive system and the principles of feeding and watering your horse, use correct grooming procedures, develop appropriate management procedures and broaden existing knowledge of commercial opportunities in the horse world. Manage horses kept on pasture and learn relevant pasture management techniques to maintain productivity and prevent "horse sick" pastures.

"The course is a lot more detailed thanI thought it would be - I am learning a lot more than I hoped!  I am very happy with the course and the school, very professional and thorough." Janette - Horse Care I student

Feeds and nutrition, stable management, exercise and conditioning

Self-paced distance learning module

This course follows on from Horse Care I. While the course is relevant to horses at grass, it does focus more heavily upon care of the stabled performance horse. The course covers feed is and nutrition , stabling, foot care, bedding, tack and conditioning of the horse. This is a stand alone course and may be taken without Horse Care I as a prerequisite.

Can be selected as a complete course of study in conjunction with Horse Care I and Horse Care III.

This module forms part of the Certificate in Equine Husbandry

Manage the health and condition of your horse

Study online - correspondence - Self-paced distance learning module

Manage the health and condition of horses in different situations. Learn to identify signs of poor condition and ill health, and address the problems appropriately. Understand the things that can stress a horse and increase susceptibility to problems. Learn how to manage situations to reduce risk factors.

The course has been designed to complement Horse Care I and Horse Care II – but can be studied as a “stand alone” subject.

Water is an essential resource and needs to be managed wisely

Online Distance Education and Correspondence course - Study water management

Water is essential to both plant and animal growth and is a major limitation to productivity. Irrigation is now playing a more important role in agriculture than ever before. Irrigation may enable plants to be grown in a dry climate where it would not otherwise be possible, or it may supplement the existing rainfall and improve growth rates by extending the growth period of the plant, or by ensuring there is adequate moisture during critical periods when the plant is growing most rapidly. The value of irrigation can vary greatly from year to year depending on the distribution of rainfall during the growth season.

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Distance education course in Irrigation Management

Unequal distribution, rapidly rising demand and increasing pollution around urban and industrial areas means that some areas of the planet are already using water at a greater rate than it is being replenished. Water management is a very important issue. The aim of sound irrigation management strategies is to reuse water as much as possible, to collect and store as much water as possible, and to ensure that what water you do use is used in an efficient manner. This course builds on Irrigation BAG213. It helps you to understand the design and operation of large scale irrigation systems.

Prerequisites:  Irrigation (Agriculture) BAG213 or equivalent (BHT 210 or BHT304) must be completed prior to commencing this course.

Marine Aquaculture (Mariculture)

Learn about the general selection and management for farming salt water species of plants and animals.

• Deals with the farming of salt water species of fish, shellfish, seaweed and other marine products
• Learn to plan and manage the farming of a wide variety of marine life
• Self paced study, expert tutors, start anytime, 100 hours of learning to give you a sound foundation in marine aquaculture.

   

  New Course in Nov.2010 -Enrolments now accepted

Online education - Correspondence course - Natural health Care for Animals

NOW RECOGNISED BY THE COMPLEMENTARY MEDICAL ASSOCIATION (CMA)

Would you like to work and care for animals in a more natural and holistic and avoid chemical toxicity and adverse reactions in your pets and children? This course covers holistic therapies such as naturopathy, homeopathy, herbal treatments, tactile therapy, and natural nutrition and discusses a range of conditions that affect domestic animals and provides  a range of  natural ideas and solutions for treating these conditions.

Be part of a clean, green farming future

Self-paced subject - study at home

On a worldwide scale organic farming methods are being adopted by farmers for economic, ethical and sustainability  reasons. Climatic changes and the impact of  outdated farming practices have led to a revolution in how we approach food production.  Manage plant and animal production in a more natural and environmentally sensitive way, and develop a sound foundation for understanding how to set up an organic farm, or convert an existing farm to organic practices.

The course covers organic management issues such as certification, marketing, and environmental concerns, organic soil management and crop nutrition, weed management, pest and disease management, livestock management, pasture and crops.

For more information on this subject follow the link below

Study Pasture Species and How to Grow better Pastures

• Improve existing pastures and increase farm productivity
• Evaluate, design and make decisions about pasture management
• 100 hour, self paced, online course -study when & where you want, as fast or slow as you need to.

This comprehensive course investigates different pasture types, the structure, growth and development of grasses, grass identification, the establishment of new pastures, the importance of legumes in pastures, selection of pasture types, seed mix, management of existing pastures, native grasslands, weed control, limiting factors, managing stock on pasture, management works.

A sound introduction to caring for a wide variety of different of different pets. Covers dogs, cats, fish, birds, rabbits, rodents, reptiles and amphibians. The course was developed and is tutored by highly qualified and experienced professionals including Veterinary Surgeon,s a former wildlife park manager, and university lecturers.  The course provides an outstanding opportunity to extend your knowledge, perspective and capacity to care for all types of pets. 

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This course is relevant to whatever production system you use.  As a result of  improved breeding, stricter selection processes, and scientific feeding the modern pig can produce good quality pork or bacon. The feeding system and age at slaughter will determine what the pig will produce. Learn about pig biology and production; the course covers topics such as breeding and selection, feeding, diseases, boar management, managing the sow and litter, fattening pigs, record keeping and more.

Study Poultry Management

Home study vocational course- distance learning - online - correspondence

This course is designed to enable you to analyse and make decisions about the management requirements of poultry. Learn about: terminology, breeds, health care; nutrition, diseases in poultry, housing and shelter, layers, broilers, incubation, brooding, record keeping, economics and marketing. The following comment is from a former student:

For more information on this subject follow the link below

This course aims to develop your ability to analyse and make decisions about sheep management.

You will learn about: Breed Types; Selection and Breeding; Nutrition of Sheep; Diseases of Sheep; General Management of a Commercial Flock; Care of the Lamb; Wool and the Marketing of Sheep and Sheep Products.

Comment from an A.C.S student: "Although I can do all of the practical work that is required to raise sheep, I am learning a lot more than I didn't already know. All that I knew I learned from my dad. I am enjoying this course and when I finish it, I would like to do another one, perhaps in management". Jonathan, UK - Sheep course.

For more information on this subject follow the link below

Good pastures and crops begin in the soil

Distance education course - Study at home via self-paced learning modules

Poor nutrition, chemical imbalance, structural problems such as drainage, and lack of microbial life  are some examples of problems that can beset your soil. Often minor and relatively inexpensive treatments can make a huge difference to productivity, but the problems need to be identified first, and that requires a solid understanding of soil theory and management practice.

Whether you are living or working on a grazing property or work in the area of land restoration, the study of soil management goes hand-in-hand with the study of pasture management.

For further information on this subject follow the link below

Join the GREEN revolution!

Home Study agriculture subject

Sustainable agricultural practices are needed to reverse the damage done by inappropriate chemical-dependent farming systems. Broad-acre farming and mono-cultures have led to an over reliance on the use of chemicals. These chemicals have destroyed the natural balances that exist between plants, animals and other organisms.

In this course you will learn about:

• Land care and conservation farming
• Permaculture and Biodynamics
• Soil and water management
• Weed control
• Tree management
• Pests and diseases Financial sustainability
• Management strategies
• Enterprise selection and management - plants and animals

The course was developed under the supervision of A.C.S School Principal, John Mason. His book: Mason, J. (2003), "Sustainable Agriculture 2nd ed." Land Links Press (Australia) is available in the A.C.S Bookshop.

For more information on this subject follow the link below:

Distance Education - Identify and effectively control weeds.

Learn about both chemical and non-chemical control methods (e.g. mulching, burning, slashing), the use of spray equipment, and safety procedures which should be followed. The course provides valuable learning for land managers, farmers, gardeners, orchardists, market gardeners, landscapers, spray contractors, nurserymen or anyone else concerned with the control of weeds. Reduce environmental impacts through the correct management of weeds.

For more information on this subject follow the link below